But this work isn't about me, it's about you & your story.
I'm the photographer who meets you where you are.
Photo shoots with me are down to earth and low pressure, so you can ditch the stress.
- About New York Photographer Laura Volpacchio Simon -
Hudson Valley | NYC | Hamptons | Westchester | Fairfield County
Just show up and be you - I'll do the rest.
I can handle cranky kids (and spouses). Our family session will be playful and fun and yield beautiful family photos that really feel like you.
I'll clean up your newborn's spit up at our newborn photography session, hold them in the colic hold, burp them, and pick out your outfit for you. I'm a new Mama - I get it.
I can make art out of your elopement without ruining the whole point of eloping (ugh, do we really need to deal with elopement photography? We just want this to be easy - it will be effortless, and probably fun).
I'll conspire with you to make your secret proposal photo shoot go seamlessly, creating imagery to honor & remember that millisecond that alters the course of your lives forever.
I'll stalk your business website and listen to every single detail of who you are and what you do to art direct your branding session and create brand photos that will connect you more fully to your clients.
As an artist with a diverse background, I am equipped to take care of my vast array of wonderfully unique clients.
I emphasize authenticity in all of my work. That means you have only one job on shoot day - be yourself. Seriously, it's that simple. Be with your kids, be with your love, have a conversation with me.
Hudson Valley Elopement Photography
Westchester Newborn Photography Session
Does any of this ring true for you? If it does, I'm probably your photographer.
You're looking for professional photography that is timeless and authentic. Beautiful and down to earth. Not a posed, stuffy photography portrait session with forced smiles. And please no matching outfits. Not a newborn photo shoot with the baby stuffed into a shoe or a basket or dressed up like produce.
You're over scrolling endlessly on your phone to find that one photo you love. You want to invest in a lifestyle photography experience that produces gorgeous artwork you can hang in your home or create an heirloom album with, so that these special images can be passed down rather than disappear into the cloud. And you want them to be really real. True to you & yours.
Maybe you're nervous the kids won't behave for a family photo shoot and need someone who won't judge & can keep it light and fun. Or you are so overwhelmed with a newborn but really want pictures and need someone to take the reins. Maybe you're planning a proposal that you would love to have photographed but want someone who can work out all the details of the moving parts. Or you're eloping and feel like you want photos but also don't want it to be such a big deal that it ruins the whole point of eloping. Maybe you want photos to represent your brand and need someone who genuinely cares about your work.
Westchester Child Photography
Westchester Family Photography
about...you
I photograph not only because I love looking at the world, putting it into a frame, playing with light and creating art. I photograph for the connection I make with my subject(s), giving them room to be seen as they are. I photograph to witness and encourage connection between families, friends, kids and loves. I photograph to encourage gratitude, making artwork out of seemingly mundane moments. I photograph for the parents who will look back on their photos in 20 years and say “can you believe his toes were really that small?” I photograph to help entrepreneurs, artists, online daters and corporates alike express who they are through images so that they can grow their business, their work, their network, and their lives. Also – it’s quite a lot of fun behind the lens.
Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my work. I hope to create with you soon.
MY Why
MY STORY »
Actually, let's be honest. First: food. But then: family.
I come from a large Italian-Irish family and married a Jewish boy. We love our family time over here, and yes - it can get quite loud.
I get how important the connection to family is, and my goal as a photographer is to capture that for you, so that you can look at your images on your walls everyday and be reminded of that connection.
This is amazing for the wellbeing of your kiddos especially. Seeing photos of themselves with their loved ones reminds them that they are safe, loved & belong.
Stunning photo by my wedding photographers, Feather & Twine.
family
but first...
In 2014 I hit a wall - I felt totally blah, uninspired, and not sure what to do next. Through a series of synchronicities, I ended up on a volunteer trip to Vietnam for the summer. I lived in a rural village where I taught English and danced around in the dirt. It was hard, and it was deeply meaningful. I think I learned a lot more than I taught, and the biggest take away was "woah - I think I have to work with kids."
That trip inspired me to start working with kids stateside and I worked for years as a Teaching Artist for various different organizations, teaching dance & creative movement to kids from pre-K through 5th grade, with a strong focus on neurodiversity. It is deeply meaningful & important (and challenging) work for me.
I love dancing with kids, and I love photographing them. I've truly worked with all types of children and my goal is always to meet them where they are. I will be 100% comfortable with your children, regardless of what state they are in. Dance parties always welcome.
artist
teaching
I'm happiest in the woods, and hubs and I are so excited to have made the move up to the Hudson Valley from NYC. We live in the artsy, beautiful, always interesting riverside town of Beacon, just a train ride from the big apple.
I lived in NYC for over ten years and though I often thrive off of its immense energy and punch-you-in-the-face vibrance, I never feel more connected than when I'm amongst trees.
NYC helped me learn photographic technique - composition, using and manipulating light, posing, framing, all that jazz - but the natural world helps me to be quiet and still enough to really see what's there.
I love traveling and shooting on location, and I'm never afraid to get dirty while shooting (sometimes to a fault, once I accidentally lied down in goose poop - but I got the shot!)
Nature Girl
city girl
full testimonial
"Laura makes her art collaborative, flexible and unique, and made me feel motivated, capable, and beautiful in ways that I never thought were possible for me."
Behind The Scenes
For the nature lovers who want some non-human photos up on the walls. Custom framed, limited edition pieces & available for comission depending on availability.
Browse artwork.
ARTWORK
Going somewhere? Hosting a retreat? In charge of a non-profit serving communities around the globe and in need of documentation? I'm all in.
Check out my work abroad.
TRAVEL
Let's plan your photo shoot!
